There appears to be a growing trend in mobile communications that’s geared towards…pets. Mobile companies are trying to tap into the collective hive mind of pet owners, and skim some of the sweet profits from the top of that juicy barrel. And why not? With Americans spending an estimated $42 billion in 2007 on their pets is it any wonder that manufacturers want you to get your pets connected?
OK, maybe I’m being a bit too cynical. After all, I am a dog owner and I must admit that I’m guilty of treating Old Tige like he understands every word I say. I have, however, endured the hardship of my dog running away, have made many frantic phone calls to shelters, and have spent many hours driving up and down the street hoping to catch a canine in the suburban haystack. Oh! How sweet it would be to know exactly where he got to.
Add to this the fact that the ASPCA report approximately five to seven million pets enter animal shelters every year, and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs get returned to their owners. So after my initial cynicism, using my cell phone to check up on Santa’s Little Helper suddenly seems like a very worthwhile prospect. So let’s take a look at a few pet-related communications devices out there and see what they can do for us.
PetsCELL from PetsMobility
Although not yet commercially available, there’s a whole lot of buzz surrounding this cell phone for pets. If you’re the type that is wondering how you managed to survive without being able to call up Buster on a whim, this might be the device for you. When you place a call to Old Yeller, the phone automatically answers and you can tell him to stop chewing your slippers.
So the prospect of calling Poochie doesn’t excite you? The PetsCELL also features a one-touch call owner button, so that if Rover goes walkabout, anyone finding him can place a call straight back to you. Still not convinced? The PetsCell has built GPS that will allow you to track Mr. Peabody on any web-enabled handheld or PC using the PawTRAX tracking system. Add to this the ability to set up geo-fences, bread-crumbing, temperature monitoring, and real time logging.
With rumors that the PetsCELL may even feature a small camera, it looks like the PetsCELL is set to become the ultimate in canine communications. Slated for release in mid 2008, pricing is estimated anywhere between $300-$500, and no word on what the monthly payment plan will be.
globalpetfinder
Maybe the idea of phoning Lassie hasn’t got you stoked, but if tracking your potential runaway appeals to you and you want something right now check out globalpetfinder. The globalpetfinder does what it says on the box – well, apart from the global part – it currently only works in the United States. Once again, we have a GPS-enabled two-way wireless device that fits onto Marmaduke’s collar.
The Globalpetfinder works in a few different modes. Fence mode: this is used when Spuds MacKenzie is out in the yard and you think there may be a chance he’ll escape. You can set up to five different fences by logging into Globalpetfinder’s software. Once these are set, if Blue leaves one of these predefined areas, the device switches over to track mode and an alarm is sent to your cell phone. You will then be continuously updated of Brian’s location.
Walk mode is used, interestingly enough, when you take Cooper for a walk. This allows you to leave your preset boundary without the alarm going off. It also features an “Off” mode, which is designed to save battery life when the device is not in use…well that’s what it says in the quick start guide and who are we to argue.
Now, the clever ones of you out there are probably wondering: What if I leave it in walk mode and Rex goes missing? Here’s the clever thing. You simply send an SMS to FOUND (36863) and type in TRACK petname, and it will automatically switch the device to track mode. Similarly, you can also use a WALK petname to switch back to walk mode. Want more? The Globalpetfnder also features a temperature monitor and you can control multiple devices at once via SMS.
The Globalpetfinder is currently available for $289.99. You will also have to pay a one-time activation fee of $34.99. They offer two monthly packages, which are based on how often you think your dog will run away. The Homebody package, for dogs that don’t runaway often, will cost you $17.99 per month, and for bad dogs and The Escape Artist package will run you $19.98 per month.
Zoombak
Don’t let the low price and tiny size of The Zoombak™ Advanced GPS Dog Locator make you think that this device doesn’t pack a punch. With its distinct lack of confusing buttons and nothing but a blinking LED on the device, this appears to be one of the easiest devices to use. Setup is a breeze with the Zoombak. You simply set up your safety zones via zoombak.com ,and then whenever Sparky leaves the designated area you will receive a text message or a email alerting you that he’s on the lam.
You can follow Benji location through the Zoombak website, or via their 24/7 customer support. On top of the great price and the small size of this neat device there are no activation fees, you get unlimited on-demand location requests, and unlimited safety zone alerts. Add to this the ability to “Power Off” and receive low battery alerts through email and text message, and the promise of on-demand location requests via your cell phone are coming soon.
For those on a budget The Zoombak™ Advanced GPS Dog Locator looks like one of the more attractive devices out there. The Zoombak advanced GPS dog locator ia available from their website or from the PetSmart chain of stores. The device will cost you $199.99 and the monthly plans start at $9.99 and go up to $14.99 a month and you must make a one year commitment.
Pawtrax Collar
As I was researching this article I came across this new device in development called the PawTrax™ Animal Tracker. The amazing thing about his device is it actually looks like a normal dog collar. Peter Callaway, the founder of
PawTrax, started his U.K.-based lost and found pet website over a year ago, and having knowledge of GPS he teamed up with a techie to develop the PawTrax collars. Here’s what Peter had to say about his collars:
“I am aware of other devices on the market but we wanted something that wasn’t big and bulky nor a ‘clip on’ box. We have built our tracker around a Telit module and uses SMS/GSM/GPRS/GPS. The position and tracking can be viewed on street level maps either via our website or Google mobile maps on a PDA or WAP enabled phone. Our modular approach allows us to provide a more flexible, bespoke solution, allowing us to fit the device into collars, harnesses, horse blankets etc. and will enable us to provide add-on options. We are in the final stages of testing in the UK before releasing the collars for sale, which we hope will be very soon.”
When released, the collar will cost £125, and two packages will be made available. The basic package will operate on a pay-per-find that costs you the price of a text message, or you can opt for the premium package £4.95 per month with unlimited access to maps, and each alert costing an extra £0.15.
So there you go. Keeping in touch with Clifford has never been easy. All these devices have their own unique features and are a small price to pay for peace of mind…although they all do have one common fallibility. Imagine poor Hercules goes AWOL and runs into some nefarious types. What’s to stop them from removing your doggie tracker and taking away Bingo sans collar? Well, personally I think most criminals would be too dumb. And let’s face it: the world is not full of Cruella de Vils.
Update: Peter Callaway of PawTrax just informed me that they are looking at providing optional extras like lockable buckles and cables around the collar that will send an SMS if cut. It looks like any potential dog snatchers could be thwarted.
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